Race Timing (Chip Timing)

Aberdeenshire Council has recently purchased 5 of these systems and are currently using these systems to time triathlons and running events locally, using the latest computer software to produce almost instantaneous results in the format the Race Organiser specifies, it can also be linked to a commentator screen which gives any race commentator the information they require for commentary purposes in real time.

Aberdeenshire Council work in patrnership with Race Timing Systems. Race Timing Systems are based in Milton Keynes and provide the backup service required to maintain the systems, they also can be on hand to assist in the timing of larger events.

For further details on the timing system please call Henry on 01467 625088 or email on henry.trotter@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or andrew.miller@aberdeenshire.gov.uk and we will be pleased to answer any question you may have and/or provide you with a quote for your event.

History of Race Timing (Chip Timing)

The RFID Race Timing System has it's origins back in 1996 when two pioneering West Australian's developed a transponder timing system for their local triathlon club. The device was so successful that another larger system was commissioned by Triathlon Western Australia in 1996. In 2001, the timing system (known then as the Coyote Timing System) was updated to a newer system by a Triathlon WA committee member (Andrew Peterson) as a project over the winter months. The system was stripped down and rebuilt using the latest Palm handheld computers. The TIRIS components were all housed in a rugged Pelican case with an internal battery supply, voltmeter, antenna cable socket and Palm hot sync cradle. This prototype system is still used by Triathlon WA to time many sporting events requiring accurate and reliable timing.

Improvements included upscaling to a dual antenna system, utilizing industry standard ethernet, and developing specialized rubber mats optimized for maximum read rates. The RFID Race Timing System was subsequently used to time just about every multi sport race in Western Australia as well as numerous swimming races including the Multiplex Rottnest Channel Swim which boasted a field size of over 2000 swimmers.

By 2004, the RFID Race Timing System was being used to time major triathlons around the country including the Australian Triathlon Championships. Even a first of it's kind antenna was developed for use in canoeing races and was used for the first time in 2005 to time the Avon Descent.

Now in 2007, the RFID Race Timing System is being used in many countries around the world to time club races, and World Championships. The High Density system has now been released and has the capabilities to time just about any size event on the planet.

The RFID Race Timing System was built by athletes for athletes. We understand the pressure that timing officials are put under so when you have a system that is reliable and easy to use, everybody is happy.

Race Timing Technology

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and has been available to industry for over ten years. Using a low frequency (134 kHz), small transponders can be energized to release a precoded signal to a receiving antenna. This signal is interpreted by a control module and converted to a 20 digit code. This unique code identifies the transponder as well as whatever is attached to the transponder.

We use Texas Instruments (TIRIS) RFID modules and transponders in the systems we develop for sports timing. These components have a proven track record and are used extensively in other sports timing systems around the globe. All IAAF events use the TIRIS system to time the major marathons and fun-runs of the world. The 134kHz frequency transponders are particularly well suited to sports timing since their read range is very good (up to 1.5 metres above the mats) and the antennas are well focused so that accurate times can be recorded to within 0.1 seconds resolution.

The number of competitors able to be timed at any point is determined by the size and number of antennas in the antenna mat. Transponders will last indefinitely giving many years of service. The TIRIS components have almost remained unchanged since their introduction in 1994 which demonstrates the longevity of the TIRIS system.

The products are designed and built in both Australia and the UK, we have some of the best timing personnel in the world providing feedback to ensure we have the probably best product in the world.